Children at Berwick Hills Primary School in Middlesbrough have been creating a space for nature in their grounds.

The school won funding for their project from Middlesbrough Partnership’s Environmental Community Chest and had practical support from the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust.

Five new trees give some much-needed shade on the school field and among them a wildflower meadow has been sown.

Renovation of a bog garden proved to be the biggest challenge with the children having to dig out brambles, lay a new liner and introduce a variety of wetland plants including flag iris, marsh marigold and ragged robin.

One of the improvements which has been an instant success is a hexagonal bench which has been placed around an ancient willow next to the school hall.

The bench was provided by Tees Forest, who also donated two adult benches to the project.

The school’s Wildlife Club has taken on the responsibility of managing the new facilities and it is hoped that they will provide a valuable education resource as well as bringing colour to the school grounds.